How to Survive the Wild Using Just a Beer Can

There’s a lot of gear out there to help you survive in the wild, but what happens when all your awesome equipment breaks, and all you have left is a beer and a knife?

Thanks to the tips I’ve gained from Kyle over at Embryonic Studios, you can now use that empty beer can for more than just making a pipe.

So everyone, forget the gear, and just bring the beer.

Lantern

Cut vertically down the can starting from the curve at the top, and ending an inch before the bottom. Then make horizontal cuts that go halfway around the can, both at the top and bottom of your vertical cut, positioning the vertical cut in the middle. Open each side, and pop a candle or the coals from your fire into the can. Bonus points: if you have some fishing line, hang your beer can lantern from a tree.

Reflector

Cut a strip of the can to use as a reflector to signal SOS. The SOS signal is simply three short signals, three long signals, three short signals. Repeat until you are saved. And if you aren’t saved, at least you have some more ways to use your empty beer cans to help you until rescue arrives.

Cup or Pot

Cut off the top of the can, and then fold the sides inwards so you don’t cut yourself. Use to drink more beer, to boil water, or to cook up some eggs on your camp stove.

Coffee Filter

Cut away the top half of your can – you’re not going to need it. Use a needle to puncture holes along the outside of the bottom of the can. You can also use a knife, and your coffee will drain quicker, but you will get some coffee grounds in your cup.

Watertight Container

Cut off the top of two cans. On one can, cut a one centimeter slit on either side at the top of the can, so that you can squeeze it inside the other one. Voila! Watertight storage made from beer cans.

Fish Trap

Yep, you can catch small fish using a beer can. Cut an X shape into the side of your can, then push the folds inwards. Now fish can swim inside your can, but they can’t swim out. Happy eating.

Fishing Hook

Using the tab from your beer can, cut the middle out, and a bit of the top. Attach some fishing line, and you’re good to go!

Camp Stove

You will need two cans for this one, but surely you’ve been drinking enough for this to not be a problem. Cut away all but the bottom third of one can. Put it to the side.

For the second can you only need the bottom, just past where it curves. Puncture holes around the rim. Put some fuel into the non-punctured can, and then place the punctured one upside down on top. Once set up, use a lighter at the top of the punctured can. You should get ten to fifteen minutes out of it – long enough to boil some water for some much needed hangover coffee.

Poach or Scramble Eggs on That Stove

Place your beer can cup on top of the stove. For poached eggs, add water and then the eggs. For scrambled, put your eggs straight in, and stir them around with a stick until cooked.

And remember, if you’re heating your beer can up, don’t touch it with bare hands. I haven’t yet figured out how to use a beer can as a first aid kit, so stay safe.

A big thanks to Kyle at Embryonic Studios for teaching us all that drinking beer is a healthy survival technique!